The last day of operation for the bowling alley at 1256 E. McDevitt Ave. was Saturday, June 28 -- one day before AMF corporate officials broke the news to employees.

"They came in (Sunday) and closed it down," general manager Dennis Makulski said Monday morning as he waited for the locksmith to arrive. "We were told it's because there is a history of business being slow."

When Bowlmor AMF took over the bowling alley last fall, employees feared the center might close, said facility manager Jimmy Miller. Ten employees work at the center, which opened in the 1960s.

"We figured we were fine. At that time they said we weren't going to close," Miller said.

A spokesperson with AMF corporate in New York City was not immediately available for comment. AMF and Bowlmor completed a merger last July, less than a year after AMF filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

AMF also owned and operated Bowlorama Lanes until after the 2007-08 bowling season when the center was shut down, and the building was gutted and reopened as a church.

Miller has worked at Summit Lanes for 14 years and is hoping to secure another job with AMF. He said most customers were shocked and saddened to learn the news.

The pro shop, Award Connection, and Gypsy's Dance Hall and Saloon also are housed in the same building and will most likely see the same fate as the bowling alley.

The owner of the pro shop is still waiting for formal notification from AMF, which should happen later this week. The owner, Margaret Moorehead, learned the center was closing from her granddaughter Sunday, who works at the bowling alley.

"It's just a matter of time, it's inevitable," said Vern Moorehead, the husband of Margaret Moorehead. "It's a sad day."

He said the shop will have to move location, but will continue, at least for now, to work from a different location until the couple decides what their next step is.

"It's been her baby, she is pretty upset," Vern Moorehead said of his wife.

The business still has orders to fill; they provide uniforms and trophies for little leagues. At this point, they still plan to take new orders.

Summit Lanes' closure comes with at least one certainty: If it does not re-open under new ownership or a center of similar size does not open in the area, Jackson can forget about hosting either the men's or women's state bowling tournaments.

One of the critical requirements of potential host cities is to have two large bowling centers capable of accommodating the throngs of bowlers who enter the two tournaments. Airport Lanes, at 60 lanes, is the only house in the immediate area that fits the bill now that Summit's 50 lanes are shut down.

Jackson was among the finalists to host the Michigan State USBC Women's Championship in 2015 but lost the bid to Battle Creek. Jackson last hosted the women's state tournament in 2006 and last hosted the Michigan State Open Championship in 2001.